Understanding the Meaning and Significance of
Microbiology
Dr. Radhika Kapur
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms. These include bacteria, fungi,
algae protozoa and so forth. When one is studying these organisms, they also need to study
their behaviour, evolution, ecology, biochemistry and pathology of diseases that they cause.
Scientists observed micro-organisms, when they were developed during the 17th century. The
scientists made use of modern and innovative methods in studying micro-organisms and their
effects. The scientists conducted experiments using micro-organisms and their effects in a
positive as well as in a negative manner. There are various branches of microbiology, which
have been stated as follows:
Bacteriology – It is the study of bacteria.
Immunology – It is the study of the immune system. In acquiring an understanding of
the immune system, the relationships are studied between pathogens, such as, bacteria and
viruses and their hosts.
Mycology – It is the study of fungi, such as, yeasts and molds.
Nematology – It is the study of nematodes, which are known as ground-worms.
Parasitology – It is the study of parasites. Though not all parasites are considered as
micro-organisms. But most of them are. Protozoa and bacteria can be parasitic. The study of
bacterial parasites is usually categorised as part of bacteriology.
Phycology – It is the study of algae.
Protozoology – It is the study of protozoa. These are the single celled organisms like
amoebae.
Virology – It is the study of viruses.
Microbiology research is the research, which is pure or applied. Pure research is
conducted in order to acquire an enhanced understanding of the scientific phenomenon. On
the other hand, applied research is based on the information that is obtained from pure
research. When individuals make selection of the field of microbiology in higher educational
institution. They need to make selection of one of the areas. These include, Astro-
microbiology, Evolutionary microbiology, cellular microbiology, microbial ecology,
microbial genetics, microbial physiology and systems microbiology. On the other hand,
applied microbiology research includes the fields of agricultural microbiology, food
microbiology, medical microbiology, microbial biotechnology and pharmaceutical
microbiology.
Bibliography
Microbiology. (2019). Retrieved September 01, 2019 from biologydictionary.net